NorthEast United FC and Churchill Brothers FC will face off in a crucial Super Cup group D match on April 19, but unfortunately, it will not be broadcasted anywhere.
Highlander Brigade, the supporters’ club of NorthEast United FC, expressed disappointment and frustration over the lack of interest shown by the Super Cup organizers and the official broadcaster.
Despite the fact that the other matches in the Super Cup tournament have been made available on Sony Sports channels and FanCode app and website, the match between NorthEast United FC and Churchill Brothers FC will not be telecasted, leaving fans without access to the live event.
Social media has seen a rise in protests from fans, with Highlander Brigade taking to Twitter to express their grievances. “Two platforms, one online and one offline, yet both cannot manage to broadcast one match which is crucial for the respective fans and players. That is pathetic. Demeaning football and also the steps to promote it,” tweeted Dithok.
“This is completely unfair. If a channel has taken the media rights, then it’s their duty to telecast all the matches. We want live telecast of the match. Hope the company takes measures and the match will be telecasted,” wrote Bhargab Saikia.
“So, this is how we will promote Indian football? Why do you have such a tournament when you can’t even offer the most essential and fundamental thing?” tweeted Vikas Baruah.
So this is how we will promote Indian football? Why do you have such a tournament when you can't even offer the most essential and fundamental thing? @IndianFootball @FanCode @SonyLIV
— Vikas Baruah (@VikasBaruah05) April 18, 2023
The match is scheduled to take place at 8:30 pm on April 19, but without live coverage, fans will be unable to watch their team in action. This is a major setback for Indian football, and it highlights the lack of interest and investment in the sport.
NorthEast United FC will look for three points in order to stake a claim for the semi-finals spot in the Super Cup 2023 when they take on Churchill Brothers. A victory alone will not solve NorthEast United’s problems. They would still need a favour from the other match in the group between Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC to be played simultaneously. As per the positions in the points table currently, a win for Chennaiyin FC would end NorthEast United’s hopes of qualification even if they win their match.
NorthEast United had a disappointing season – they finished last in the ISL with only one win in 20 matches. They kicked off their Super Cup campaign with a loss against Chennaiyin FC. But a win against Mumbai City FC in the second match put them back in contention.
The Super Cup tournament was created to promote Indian football and provide a platform for teams to compete against each other, but without adequate coverage, it will be challenging to generate excitement and interest in the sport.
Hopefully, this incident will prompt organizers and broadcasters to take the necessary steps to ensure that all matches are telecasted in the future, giving fans and players the coverage they deserve.
